Your Dog’s Favorite Treats Just Got Recalled for Salmonella—7 States Affected, No Illnesses Yet But FDA Says Stop Feeding Them NOW

Consumers Supply Distributing of Sioux City, Iowa recalled 4-pound bags of Country Vet Biscuits (Original Meaty Flavor) and Heartland Harvest Dog Biscuits (Meaty Flavor with Chicken) on December 24, 2025 after FDA testing found salmonella bacteria in the finished products. The recall affects stores in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Montana, and Nebraska. No illnesses have been reported yet, but the FDA is urging pet owners to stop feeding these treats immediately.

Here’s what’s shocking: Salmonella contamination is the most common reason for pet food recalls in 2025, with multiple brands getting hit this year. Your dog’s health depends on you knowing if these treats are sitting in your pantry right now.

What Actually Happened: FDA Found Bacteria During Routine Testing

Picture this: You trust your local farm store. You grab a bag of dog biscuits for your pup. You don’t think twice.

Then the FDA runs routine lab tests and finds something that shouldn’t be there—salmonella lurking in those meaty-flavored treats your dog loves.

The recall was initiated after routine FDA sampling found salmonella in the affected lot. This wasn’t triggered by sick pets or customer complaints. The FDA caught it before anyone got hurt.

The company has ceased production and distribution of the lot number as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem. Translation? They don’t know yet how the bacteria got in—whether it was contaminated ingredients, equipment failure, or a quality control breakdown somewhere in the manufacturing process.

What we know so far:

  • When: December 24, 2025 (announced)
  • Who: Consumers Supply Distributing, LLC
  • Where: 7 states—Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Montana, Nebraska
  • How many: One lot number affecting both product lines
  • Status: Production halted, investigation ongoing
Your Dog's Favorite Treats Just Got Recalled for Salmonella—7 States Affected, No Illnesses Yet But FDA Says Stop Feeding Them NOW

Which Dog Biscuits Are Recalled? Check Your Bag NOW

Pull out that bag of dog treats. Here’s exactly what you’re looking for:

Country Vet Biscuits – Original Meaty Flavor

  • Size: 4-pound bag
  • UPC Code: 899623000463
  • Lot Number: 40906513 (stamped on FRONT of bag)
  • Expiration Date: 09/06/2026 (stamped on FRONT)

Heartland Harvest Dog Biscuits – Meaty Flavor with Chicken

  • Size: 4-pound bag
  • UPC Code: 840227340691
  • Lot Number: 40906513 (stamped on BACK of bag)
  • Expiration Date: 09/06/2026 (stamped on BACK)

Important: Only products with lot number 40906513 are recalled. If your bag has a different lot number, it’s not affected.

What Salmonella Does to Your Dog (And Your Family)

Let’s talk about why this bacteria is so dangerous.

For Your Pet:

Pets infected with salmonella may appear lethargic and may experience diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting, decreased appetite or abdominal pain.

Here’s the scary part: Some pets may be infected without showing symptoms and can spread the bacteria to other animals or humans. Your dog could look perfectly fine while silently shedding bacteria all over your home.

Watch for these symptoms in your dog:

  • Lethargy or unusual tiredness
  • Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Decreased appetite
  • Abdominal pain or tenderness

High-risk pets: Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.

For You and Your Family:

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Human symptoms include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramping and fever
  • In rare cases: arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, urinary tract symptoms

According to a review of recent FDA pet food recalls, the most common reason for a recall is contamination with salmonella, listeria and/or E. coli. This isn’t a one-off problem—it’s an industry-wide issue that keeps popping up.

What Went Wrong: Why Did Salmonella Get Into Dog Treats?

Here’s what makes this recall different from others: The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the FDA which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria.

Nobody got sick. Nobody complained. The FDA just tested the products and found contamination.

The company and FDA are still investigating, but based on similar pet food recalls, the contamination likely came from one of these sources:

  1. Contaminated raw ingredients (especially chicken or meat products)
  2. Manufacturing equipment failure (bacteria surviving in processing machinery)
  3. Quality control breakdown (lack of proper testing or sanitation)
  4. Cross-contamination (bacteria spreading from one batch to another)

Raw animal-based treats are commonly contaminated because if there was no cooking step in preparing the treat, it should be considered high risk for contamination with salmonella and other bacteria.

Legal Actions & Compensation: No Lawsuits Filed YET

As of January 2026, the company is not currently facing legal action over the recall, but Top Class Actions follows recalls closely as they sometimes lead to class action lawsuits.

Here’s what that means for you:

Current Status:

  • No class action lawsuits filed (yet)
  • No reported illnesses (yet)
  • Voluntary recall (company cooperated with FDA)
  • Refunds available (see below)

How Pet Food Class Actions Usually Work:

When pet food companies face contamination lawsuits, settlements can be significant. In other pet-related news, a $5.5 million settlement opened to resolve claims that Mid America Pet Food products were contaminated with salmonella.

What you could potentially claim if lawsuits are filed:

  • Veterinary bills (100% of documented costs in some settlements)
  • Pet injury or death ($75-$150 in past settlements, though this varies widely)
  • Purchase refunds
  • Emotional distress damages

Legal theories that could apply:

  • Product liability: Companies are strictly liable for defective products
  • Negligence: Failure to maintain safe manufacturing practices
  • Breach of warranty: Product wasn’t safe for its intended use

Want to join a lawsuit if one is filed? Keep all receipts, veterinary records, and product packaging. Monitor AllAboutLawyer.com’s class action updates for new filings.

What To Do RIGHT NOW: 4-Step Action Plan

Step 1: Stop Feeding Immediately

Consumers who purchased the recalled products should stop feeding them immediately.

Don’t finish the bag. Don’t give “just one more treat.” Stop today.

Step 2: Check Your Dog

If your dog has eaten these treats recently, watch for symptoms for the next 7-10 days. Pets that eat contaminated food may become ill, and humans can be exposed through handling the products or touching surfaces that came into contact with them, especially if hands are not washed thoroughly.

Call your vet if you notice:

  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Any unusual behavior

Step 3: Dispose Safely or Get Your Refund

Consumers who have purchased any recalled products should discontinue use of the products and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Disposal instructions:

  • Don’t just toss it in the trash where pets or wildlife can access it
  • Seal in double plastic bags
  • Place in a secure outdoor bin
  • Or return to store for full refund

Contact info for questions: Consumers Supply Distributing: (712) 202-5609 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm CST

Step 4: Clean Everything

Hands and any surfaces that came into contact with the product should be washed thoroughly.

Clean these areas:

  • Dog food bowls
  • Storage containers
  • Countertops or surfaces where treats were stored
  • Your hands (wash for 20+ seconds with soap)
  • Pet bedding (if your dog had treats near it)

How This Recall Compares to Others in 2025

Pet food recalls increased from 7 to 11 in 2024, and 2025 continued the trend.

Here’s what happened this year with other pet food brands:

Recent Pet Food Recalls (2025):

  • October 2025: Nature’s Own Pet Chews Bully Bites recalled after FDA testing found salmonella
  • October 2025: Raw Bistro Pet Fare frozen dog food recalled after an FDA sample tested positive for salmonella
  • October 2025: Foodynamics freeze-dried pet treats recalled due to potential salmonella contamination
  • August 2025: Viva Raw dog and cat food recalled after testing positive for contamination with both salmonella and listeria

The pattern? Salmonella contamination is the most common reason for pet food recalls.

Why does this keep happening? High-pressure pasteurized diets are much lower risk, but not zero risk. If there was no cooking step in preparing the treat, it should be considered high risk for contamination with salmonella and other bacteria.

What This Reveals About Pet Food Safety Standards

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: The pet food industry operates under different rules than human food.

Current regulatory landscape:

  • FDA oversees pet food safety (Center for Veterinary Medicine)
  • Testing is often reactive, not proactive (contamination gets caught after manufacturing)
  • Companies are responsible for their own quality control (FDA doesn’t pre-approve products)
  • Recalls are usually voluntary (companies cooperate with FDA findings)

Based on FDA recall records, this appears to be the first publicly reported pet food recall involving these brands.

What’s missing?

  • Mandatory testing requirements before products hit shelves
  • Higher manufacturing standards for pet treat facilities
  • Better supplier vetting for raw ingredients
  • More frequent FDA inspections

FAQ: Everything You’re Googling About This Recall

Q: Can I still feed my dog Country Vet or Heartland Harvest treats?

Only if you have a DIFFERENT lot number. Products with lot number 40906513 with an expiration date of September 6, 2026 are recalled. Check your bag carefully.

Q: Has anyone gotten sick from these treats?

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. The FDA caught the contamination through routine testing before any pets or people got sick.

Q: How do I know if my dog was exposed to salmonella?

Watch for symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or decreased appetite. Some pets may be infected without showing symptoms and can spread the bacteria to other animals or humans. If you’re concerned, call your vet.

Q: What if I already threw away the bag?

You can still get a refund. Call Consumers Supply Distributing at (712) 202-5609 and explain that you purchased the recalled product. Many stores will honor refunds with proof of purchase or store loyalty card records.

Q: Are other Country Vet or Heartland Harvest products safe?

The company has ceased the production and distribution of the lot number as FDA and the company continue their investigation. Only the specific lot number listed above is recalled. Other products from these brands with different lot numbers are not affected by this recall.

Q: Can I sue if my dog gets sick?

The company is not currently facing legal action over the recall, but that could change if illnesses are reported. Save all documentation (receipts, veterinary records, product packaging) in case class action lawsuits are filed later.

Q: Why does salmonella keep showing up in pet food?

According to a review of recent FDA pet food recalls, the most common reason for a recall is contamination with salmonella, listeria and/or E. coli. Raw ingredients, especially meat products, often carry bacteria. Without proper cooking or pasteurization, that bacteria can survive into the final product.

Q: Where were these treats sold?

The recalled products were distributed to retail stores in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Montana and Nebraska. Check local farm stores, feed stores, and pet supply retailers in these states.

The Bottom Line: What Pet Owners Need To Do Today

Check your pantry. Find that bag of Country Vet or Heartland Harvest treats. Look for lot number 40906513.

If you find it, stop feeding immediately. Get your refund. Clean everything.

No illnesses have been reported to date, but salmonella is serious business. It can make your dog sick. It can make your family sick.

The FDA caught this early. That’s good news. But the fact that salmonella contamination is the most common reason for pet food recalls means we all need to stay vigilant.

Three things to remember:

  1. Check your dog treats TODAY for lot #40906513
  2. Watch your dog for symptoms (lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea)
  3. Save all receipts and documentation in case lawsuits are filed

Your dog trusts you to keep them safe. Don’t let contaminated treats put them at risk.

Related Articles:

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal assistance, consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *